But it is
not possible he should love us; and of that our commerce had sufficient
proofs during his power. Our military achievements, indeed, which he
is capable of estimating, may in some degree moderate the effect of his
aversions; and he may perhaps fancy that we are to become the natural
enemies of England, as England herself has so steadily endeavored to
make us, and as some of our own over-zealous patriots would be willing
to proclaim; and in this view, he may admit a cold toleration of some
intercourse and commerce between the two nations. He has certainly
had time to see the folly of turning the industry of France from the
cultures for which nature has so highly endowed her, to those of sugar,
cotton, tobacco, and others, which the same creative power has given to
other climates: and, on the whole, if he can conquer the passions of his
tyrannical soul, if he has understanding enough to pursue from motives
of interest, what no moral motives lead him to, the tranquil happiness
and prosperity of his country, rather than a ravenous thirst for human
blood, his return may become of more advantage than injury to us. And if
again some great man could arise in England, who could see and correct
the follies of his nation in their conduct as to us, and by exercising
justice and comity towards ours, bring both into a state of temperate
and useful friendship, it is possible we might thus attain the place we
ought to occupy between these two nations, without being degraded to the
condition of mere partisans of either.
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